Human Security
Code: 42990 ECTS Credits: 10| Degree | Type | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 4313800 International Relations, Security and Development | OT | 0 |
Contact
- Name:
- Juan Pablo Soriano Gatica
- Email:
- juanpablo.soriano@uab.cat
Teachers
- Francesc Serra Massansalvador
- María Alejandra Peña Gonzalez
- Pablo Aguiar Molina
- Lluc Vidal López
- (External) Federico Guerrero
Teaching groups languages
You can view this information at the end of this document.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites:
It is essential that students have basic knowledge of International Relations: they must have passed the compulsory course of the Master's Degree or have previous equivalent training.
Objectives and Contextualisation
Objectives
- To introduce students to the theory and practice of human security in the context of the global international society.
- To provide a solid conceptual foundation and analytical tools for studying human security.
- To foster a deep and comprehensive understanding of existing concepts, theoretical models, and methodologies in the field of Human Security Studies, ensuring students feel knowledgeable and well-informed.
- To analyze international actions, initiatives, and processes in the field of human security in light of the major challenges of the contemporary global agenda.
- To facilitate the elaboration of relevant information for research in the field of Human Security.
- To apply the main instruments of Human Security intervention in different thematic areas of international relations.
- To develop competencies, skills, and knowledge that will enable students to work in professional environments related to Human Security.
Learning Outcomes
- CA10 (Competence) To draft reports on developments and changes within the international system in matters of human security independently and/or in cooperation with others.
- CA15 (Competence) To introduce a gender perspective into information on human security.
- KA11 (Knowledge) To recognise the role of international actors and their policies on matters of human security: state, international organisations and non-governmental and transnational actors.
- KA12 (Knowledge) To describe the conceptual basis and instruments in the field of human security.
- KA13 (Knowledge) To indicate how the main human security-related issues on the international agenda have changed and developed.
- SA15 (Skill) To apply the various instruments, actions, initiatives and processes relating to human security at the area and regional level in a case study.
- SA16 (Skill) To critically analyse policies related to the design of international and regional security models.
Content
General contents of the course
The contents have been structured around four axes that will be developed in a transversal way during the different sessions of the course:
I. Theoretical tools: exploration of concepts, notions, models, and methodologies of Human Security.
II. The role of international actors in Human Security: analysis of the role of states, international organizations, non-governmental and transnational actors.
III. The international agenda: the study of the evolution and development of the main issues related to Human Security on the global agenda.
IV. Analysis of case studies: a review of the practical application of Human Security instruments, actions, initiatives, and processes through various case studies.
Topics to be developed in the course:
Introduction to the subject and general introduction to the study of security in the field of International Relations.
Human Security: theoretical approach, definition and models.
Human Security: evolution and development of the United Nations approach.
Human security from a feminist perspective.
Human security: China's approach.
Human security and citizen security. Regional perspective: Latin America.
Human security. Regional perspective: the former Eastern European space.
Human security: the economic dimension from Japan's perspective.
Human security and fragile states. Regional perspective: Sub-Saharan Africa.
Human security and human mobility.
Human security: transnational actors and praxis of human security.
Important: it is possible that during the course the day and time of some sessions may be altered. Classes that have to be made up for any reason (teacher illness, unforeseen events, etc.) will be held on a day that will be announced in advance.
Activities and Methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type: Directed | |||
| Discussions on compulsory readings and complementary articles | 30 | 1.2 | CA15, KA11, KA12, KA13, SA15, SA16 |
| Master classes an directed activities in the classroom with the support of ICT(with the possibility of group discussions); | 50 | 2 | CA15, KA11, KA12, KA13, SA16 |
| Type: Supervised | |||
| Reading and preparation of texts that will be subject to control in class | 35 | 1.4 | KA11, KA12, SA16 |
| Writing group and individual works | 25 | 1 | CA10, CA15, KA11, KA13, SA15, SA16 |
| Type: Autonomous | |||
| Study of the topics of agenda and complementary readings | 110 | 4.4 | KA11, KA12, KA13, SA15, SA16 |
Methodology
The student's dedication to this course is divided into different types of activities, each with a specific weight of work hours. This variety of work forms materializes in differentiated methodologies.
The activities in this course are distributed as follows:
- Directed activities, which are activities in the classroom with the presence of the professor and may consist of lectures (with the use of ICT and with the possibility of group discussions); in seminars to discuss compulsory readings in smaller groups and sessions more oriented to practical issues in which cases, problems and examples related to the course syllabus will be analyzed. For these sessions, the teacher will announce mandatory readings in advance. These activities represent approximately one third of the total work required.
- Supervised activities are those carried out by the student outside the classroom and in accordance with a plan designed and subsequently supervised and evaluated by the professor. The student must read and prepare texts that will be subject to control and evaluation in sessions of seminars and practices; writing of a group work that will be subject to control and evaluation through written and oral presentation in seminar mode; look for documentation on a certain topic related to the international organization (with a guide prepared by the teacher), write a brief report and make a presentation in the classroom. Also, during the course, the student should read short articles, comment on the text read, and actively participate in the discussions on the articles. Tutoring and other similar course follow-up activities are also included. These activities represent approximately ten percent of the work required.
- Autonomous activities are those carried out by the student on their own and in accordance with the requirements of the subject to pass it successfully. They can be basic and complementary readings, study of class notes and / or all activities that complement the training required by the course. These activities represent approximately half of the student's work.
The teaching methodology is adapted to the distribution of work and activities.
Annotation: Within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.
Assessment
Continous Assessment Activities
| Title | Weighting | Hours | ECTS | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final exam | 20% | 0 | 0 | CA15, KA11, KA12, KA13, SA16 |
| Participation | 5% | 0 | 0 | KA11, KA12, KA13, SA16 |
| Various activities carried out during the course sessions (debates, text commentary, group work, presentations). | 75% | 0 | 0 | CA10, CA15, KA11, KA12, KA13, SA15, SA16 |
Evaluation of the course
The course will be evaluated with different activities.
Summary of the evaluation:
a) Activities carried out in the different sessions of the course: 75% of the grade.
b) Final exam: 20% of the grade
c) Participation: 5% of the grade
Requirements to pass the course:
To pass the course, students must have a median grade (after considering all the elements) of five points out of ten (5/10).
During the course, there will be a series of activities related to the contents of the different thematic sessions. The average grade of all the activities is equivalent to 75% of the final grade. Each teacher will indicate in advance the type of activity. Important: to pass the course, it is necessary to have passed at least 80% of these activities (each activity is passed with a minimum of 5 points out of ten). The activities may include text commentaries, classroom discussions, practical exercises, short essays, and small group work.
The final written exam is worth 20% of the final grade.
In the overall final grade, the active participation of the students in the classes will be valued. Participation will be equivalent to a maximum of 5% of the final grade.
Attendance considerations. This course has a face-to-face character; therefore, to pass it, attending 80% of the sessions is indispensable.
Plagiarism and other behaviors of academic dishonesty. If plagiarism or other behaviors of academic dishonesty are detected in any exam, work, exercise, or other activity, the grade for such activity will be 0 (zero) points, as indicated in the Faculty’s regulations.
Bibliography
Bibliography and electronic sources
For each thematic session there will be a specific program and a detailed bibliography. These programs can be consulted in the Virtual Campus (Moodle classroom) of the course.
Material in digital format accessible at the UAB libraries.
Caballero-Anthony, Mely, Mine, Y., & Ishikawa, S. (2024). Human Security and Empowerment in Asia: Beyond the Pandemic (1st ed., Vol. 1). Routledge. https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/15r2rl8/cdi_oapen_primary_oai_library_oapen_org_20_500_12657_76882
Chandler, David, N. H. (2010). Critical Perspectives on Human Security: Rethinking Emancipation and Power in International Relations (1st ed., pp. viii–viii). Routledge. https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/15r2rl8/cdi_proquest_miscellaneous_910938825
Grasa, Rafael (2006). Vínculos entre seguridad, paz y desarrollo: evolución de la seguridad humana: De la teoría al programa político y la operacionalización. Revista CIDOB d'afers internacionals, 9-46. https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/1c3utr0/cdi_jstor_primary_40586270
Johansen, Robert C. (2021). Where the Evidence Leads: A Realistic Strategy for Peace and Human Security (1st ed.). Oxford University Press. https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/15r2rl8/cdi_askewsholts_vlebooks_9780197586679
Lautensach, Alexander & Lautensach, Sabina (2020). Human Security in World Affairs: : Problems and Opportunities (Edition (2nd edition) ). BCcampus & University of Northern British Columbia. https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/15r2rl8/cdi_pressbooks_primary_308_316
Louise Shelley, & Shiro Okubo. (2011). Human Security, Transnational Crime and Human Trafficking: Asian and Western Perspectives (1st ed., Vol. 6, pp. xiv–xiv). Routledge. https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/15r2rl8/cdi_proquest_miscellaneous_910936861
MacCallion, Gregory (2019). National versus human security : Australian and Canadian military interventions / Gregory MacCallion. (1st ed.). Melbourne University Publishing. https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/1eqfv2p/alma991010895624506709
Mendia Azkue, Irantzu, & Pérez de Armiño, Karlos (2013). Seguridad humana : aportes críticos al debate teórico y político / Karlos Pérez de Armiño , Irantzu Mendia Azkue (editores). Tecnos [etc.]. https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/1eqfv2p/alma991003900469706709
Mentan, T. (2014). Africa : facing human security challenges in the 21st century / Tatah Mentan. Langaa Research & Publishing CIG. https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/1eqfv2p/alma991010894906406709
Murdie, Amanda (2014). Help or harm: The human security effects of international NGOs. Stanford University Press. Disponible en línea: https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/1eqfv2p/alma991010887338306709
Nandy, Debasish & Majee, Debtanu (eds.) (2024). Human Security in Asia : Interrogating State, Society, and Policy (First edition). Palgrave Macmillan. https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/1eqfv2p/alma991010907267006709
Neack, Laura. (2017). National, international, and human security: a comparative introduction. Rowman & Littlefield. Disponible en línea: https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/1eqfv2p/alma991000711079706709
O'Brien, Karen: St. Clair, Asunción Lera, & Kristoffersen, Berit (Eds.). (2010). Climate change, ethics and human security. Cambridge University Press. Disponible en línea: https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/1eqfv2p/alma991010755097006709
Rojas Aravena, Francisco (Ed.) (2012). Seguridad humana: Nuevos enfoques. Flacso. https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/1eqfv2p/alma991010514321006709
Rosas, María Cristina (2023). La Seguridad Humana y laSeguridad Multidimensional a Debate. Vulnerabilidades, Riesgos y Amenazas enel Mundo Del Siglo XXI. (1st ed.). Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Instituto de Investigaciones sobre la Universidad y la Educacion. https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/1eqfv2p/alma991010954751006709
Takahashi, Saul (2014). Human rights, human security, and state security : the intersection (1st ed.). Praeger, an imprint of ABC-CLIO, LLC. https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/15r2rl8/cdi_askewsholts_vlebooks_9798216099987
Tow, William T. & Walton, David (2013). New Approaches to Human Security in the Asia-Pacific: China, Japan and Australia (1st ed.). Routledge. https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/15r2rl8/cdi_askewsholts_vlebooks_9781409456797
Uscanga, Carlos, López Rubi, Daniela, & Solano Silva, Mariana Alejandrina (2017). El dilema de la seguridad humana desde la perspectiva de las regiones del mundo / Carlos Uscanga, Daniela López Rubí, Mariana Alejandrina Solano Silva. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/1eqfv2p/alma991010517924106709
Other recommended texts.
Barnett, Jon (2011). Human security. The OxfordHandbook of Climate Change and Society, 268-277.
Clay, Edward, & Stokke, Oolav S. (2013). Food aid and human security. Routledge.
Den Boer, Monica, & De Wilde, Jaap (2008). The viability of human security. Amsterdam University Press.
Faleh Pérez, Carmelo, & Villán Durán, Carlos (2017). El derecho humano a la paz y la (in) seguridad humana. Contribuciones atlánticas. Asociación Española para el Derecho Internacional de los Derechos Humanos (aeDIDH).
Hanlon, Robert J., & Christie, Kenneth (2016). Freedom from fear, freedom from want: An introduction to human security. University of Toronto Press.
Hernández García, Nuria. (2020). La seguridad humana: del concepto al enfoque. Causas de la reducción de su uso como concepto. Relaciones internacionales, (43), 33-48.
Hernandez, Carolina. G., Kim, E. M., Mine, Y., & Xiao, R. (Eds.). (2019). Human Security and Cross-Border Cooperation in East Asia. Cham: Palgrave Macmillan.
Kaldor, Mary. (2007).Human security. Polity.
Kloppe-Santamaría, Gema, & Abello-Colak, A. (2019). Seguridad humana y violencia crónica en México: nuevas lecturas y propuestas desde abajo. Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México.
MacFarlane, S. Neil, & Khong, Y. F. (2006). Human security and the UN: A critical history. Indiana University Press.
Martin, Mary, & Owen, Taylor (Eds.). (2014). Routledge handbook of human security. London: Routledge.
Morillas, Pol (2006). Génesis y evolución de la expresión de la seguridad humana: un repaso histórico. Revista CIDOB d'afers internacionals, 47-58.
Newman, Edward (2020). Human security. In Routledge handbook of peace, security and development (pp. 33-44). Routledge.
Picciotto, Robert (2017). Global development and human security. Routledge.
Scheffran, J., Brzoska, M., Brauch, H. G., Link, P. M., & Schilling, J. (Eds.). (2012). Climate change, human security and violent conflict: challenges for societal stability (Vol. 8). Springer Science & Business Media.
Tadjbakhsh, Shahrbanou (2014). Human security twenty years on. Norwegian Peacebuilding Resource Center, Expert Analysis.
Tadjbakhsh, Shahrbanou, & Chenoy, Anuradha (2007). Human security: Concepts and implications. Routledge.
Software
Students are expected to have basic knowledge of the most common computer programs for the elaboration of texts, charts and graphs, as well as for the search of specialized information on the Internet.
Language list
| Name | Group | Language | Semester | Turn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (TEm) Theory (master) | 1 | Spanish | second semester | afternoon |